Hamas Sees Substantial Comeback with New Recruits Despite Defeats

Hamas appears to be making a significant comeback in Gaza, with new reports indicating a surge in the number of fighters joining the ranks. According to recent information received by The Jerusalem Post and Channel 12, Hamas’s numbers have swollen to between 20,000 and 23,000 fighters, a stark increase from previous reports. While The Jerusalem Post suggests that the actual number is closer to 12,000, the fluctuating estimates highlight the difficulty in accurately gauging the size of Hamas’s forces amid ongoing military operations.

The IDF has previously reported that between 17,000 and 20,000 Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters have been killed since the start of the war, with 14,000-16,000 Hamas fighters also reportedly wounded. However, these figures do not seem to align with recent reports, which indicate that Hamas may have recruited a fresh wave of fighters to replace those lost in battle. In fact, it is now believed that the total number of Hamas fighters could have once been as high as 30,000 to 40,000.

The uncertainty surrounding Hamas’s numbers is compounded by the complex and ever-changing situation on the ground. Sources suggest that approximately 9,000 Hamas fighters are currently stationed in northern and southern Gaza, while Islamic Jihad controls an additional 4,000 fighters. The remainder of the force, numbering between 7,000 and 10,000, is believed to consist of disorganized local fighters spread across Gaza, adding to the challenge of distinguishing between militants and civilians in the densely populated region.

The presence of these new recruits, many of whom are reportedly untrained minors, has raised questions about the quality of Hamas’s fighting force. Despite the influx of new members, the overall effectiveness of Hamas’s forces may be diminished due to the inexperience and lack of training among these recruits.

While IDF estimates indicate that northern Gaza has been largely cleared of fighters, the emergence of new recruits suggests that Hamas remains a formidable threat.